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Sunday, March 04, 2007

Goodbye Ahman

According to the NFL Network, Ahman Green has reached a contract agreement with the Houston Texans, to rejoin old head coach Mike Sherman.

Even though he's on the downside of his career, it's sad to see him go. I felt the same way when Dorsey Levens left. He's going into the Packers Hall of Fame, he was only 40 yards or so away from becoming the team's all-time leading rusher. I'm guessing Houston offered far and away more than the Packers were prepared to go, so he had to take the money. I think he's got a couple good years left in him, but word was he wanted $5 million per, and that's a lot of money to offer a guy on the downside who has been beat up. I would've liked to have had him back--particularly so he could get the rushing record, but once I see the final dollar amount, I imagine I'll be pretty happy that Thompson balked.

He gave the Packers some great years, and I've really enjoyed watching him. I wish him nothing but the best in Houston. Good luck, Batman.

The Packers still have some options at tailback. It's not a great free agent crop, but word is they've been in contact with Travis Henry's agent. I cringed when I read that name, much in the way Bears fans probably cringed when they saw Thomas Jones was coming to town. But I pulled up his nfl.com profile and he actually had a pretty great year in Tennessee last year. 1,200 yards, 4.5 a carry and 7 touchdowns, despite only starting 13 games. Lynch could very well be the man when Green Bay picks at 16 if they don't sign anyone via free agency. They could do a lot worse than Henry though. And I didn't think I'd be saying those words anytime soon.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed on the Randy Moss rumors. We've heard conflicting reports--CNNSI says they haven't even made contact--but I think there's way too much smoke around this rumor for something to not be going on. Either that or Randy is toking up. I don't necessarily believe the Packers will give up on Rodgers for him--unless they're convinced that he's not the guy--but a pick this year and a conditional pick next year could probably get it done. That would give the Packers a WR corps of Moss, Driver, Jennings, Robinson, and a couple guys who looked great down the stretch in Ruvell Martin and Carlyle Holiday. The latter intrigues me. He showed some outstanding hands in that game against the Bears. He caught a couple of balls that I wouldn't have blamed Driver for dropping.

Lastly, a quick comment on the Wings game today. Once again, we get killed on a typical Osgood goal. They were playing like crap for two periods, Detroit fights back to make it 2-2 and then Colorado scores a softie through the five hole on their first shot of the third period, a few minutes after we tied the game. Ridiculous. He's now 7-3-4 on the season, which means that when he plays, we're just as likely to lose the game as win it. And considering most of his games have been against the likes of Columbus, Chicago, St. Louis and LA, that's not saying much for him. His save percentage has dipped to .897 and his GAA is now up around 2.70. Again, not good when you're playing the weak sisters of the poor.

Today wasn't completely Osgood's fault. Schneider had some horrendous turnovers, our defensive zone coverage wasn't real good, and our offense failed to capitalize on some great chances (Holmstrom missed on a penalty shot, Langfeld took too long when he had a wide open net, etc.) but when we were buzzing and we had all the momentum on our side, you simply can't give up a dribbler through the five hole on their first shot of the period. That's a save that has to be made. It's inexcusable.

Frankly, the only reason he's on the team anymore is because he's Holland's baby. There was no reason to bring him back after the performance he put in last season, and there was DEFINITELY no reason to give him a two year extension.

On the bright side, Kyle Calder was an outstanding pick up. He's fast, he goes in the corners, and he works his butt off. Just what we needed on our second line. He's only been here three games or so, but I'm really impressed. I'm already at the point that I'd like to see him brought back next year. Good kid and I think he's going to do some good things for us.

3 comments:

As far as Travis Henry goes, looking at the Football Outsiders goes, this past year was the first where he wasn't totally reliant on his offensive line for his production. That could be a fluke or it could be him peaking finally after a number of injury plagued years. If he's cheap, he's worth a year or two contract to find out. That plus a draft pick would probably ensure decent production.

I never thought I'd hear myself say, "Crap, Travis Henry is off the market."

Still not freaking but yeah....

As for the playoff coverage, it's coming! I don't have a lot to say about the first round. I'm really happy we don't have to face LSSU though. Their goalie scares me...wouldn't want them in a one game series either.

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